We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about South Africa. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a link by email which will allow you to download your own copy.

The Cape – comprising Cape Town and the Winelands – is one of the biggest attractions for visitors to South Africa and has much to offer. Here our South Africa specialist (and former Capetonian) Annie gives her top five experiences for those looking for something new.

One of the best ways to take in the spectacular scenery that South Africa has to offer, rail travel couldn’t be further from a daily commute in the luxurious surroundings of Rovos Rail and the Blue Train. Here we give you the lowdown on what to expect and what separates these two outstanding experiences.

One of our South Africa specialists, Jen, recently saddled up for an exciting riding safari taking part in game census week at Ant’s Hill in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa. Read on for more about Jen’s experience and all you need to know about exploring South Africa on horseback…

From the premier game viewing of the Kruger and malaria-free options in Madikwe and the Eastern Cape, to riding safaris in the Waterberg and getting off-the beaten-track in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve – there is truly something for everyone. Here we give our lowdown on all that South Africa has to offer safari-wise – now all you have to do is decide which one(s) will suit you best!

South Africa and Mauritius couple superbly for a safari and beach holiday or honeymoon. Whilst South Africa offers both world class safari and cosmopolitanism, Mauritius encapsulates the very essence of laid-back island life. Start your adventure on the plains of one of South Africa’s many game rich national parks, spending your days on safari, tracking the Big Five and sipping on sundowners, before exploring the country’s vibrant cities or impressive coastal routes. A short flight to Mauritius takes you to another world of sugar white beaches, kaleidoscopic reefs and a verdant green mountainscapes. There, you can choose to do as little or as much as you like, whether it be soaking up the island’s unique Creole culture or whiling away lazy days under the shade of a leafy palm. The ultimate safari and beach combination for a year-round adventure.

Self-driving in South Africa is how a number of people decide to travel as it tends to prove a more adventurous and affordable option, as well as giving you the freedom to explore. Self-driving is a hugely rewarding way to travel and appreciate the always stunning and ever-changing scenery. Here we give you our tips for taking to the open road.

Contemporary Cape Town hotels, beautiful Cape Dutch wine estates and luxurious private game lodges, all combine to make South Africa the perfect honeymoon destination. Here we give our top ideas for making South Africa the perfect honeymoon destination for you.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier wildlife destination and is one of the biggest attractions in this diverse country. Those wanting a luxury safari experience away from the crowds tend to favour the private concessions and here we give our guide to these.

South Africa is without doubt the most family-friendly country in Africa and offers a wide-range of experiences to suit all ages and interests. From an exciting malaria-free safari to exploring the beautiful Cape to the warm Indian Ocean beaches along the Garden Route, we can help you put together the perfect holiday for your family. Here we give our rundown on our favourite spots for families to get you started.

With beautiful scenery, stunning beaches, outstanding wildlife and a favourable exchange rate, <a style="color: #f2b618;" href="https://www.imaginetravel.com/imagine-africa/holiday-destination/south-africa" target="_blank">South Africa</a> is the perfect setting for an African wedding. Whether for a host of guests or a private affair between just the two of you, here are our Top 3 wedding destinations in South Africa.

Andrew Rattray is one of the leading battlefields guides, having succeeded his father as the guide at Fugitives’ Drift, the lodge his parents began in 1989. His father, David, tragically died in 2007, but was well known for his tours and lectures about Zulu history and culture – a mantle which is now carried by Andrew. We asked him a little about life as a battlefields guide…

After living in beautiful Cape Town, our South Africa specialist Annie was looking for a new experience, and where better to head than KwaZulu Natal. Filled with breath-taking scenery, Zulu culture, history and wildlife – KwaZulu Natal is off-the-beaten-track in South African terms and well worth a visit, particularly for return visitors.

Horizon Horseback Safaris

Waterberg, South Africa

Best for: Riding, Safari, Spectacular scenery

Set deep in the malaria free Waterberg Reserve in the northern reaches of South Africa, a very special lodge offers wonderful riding safaris in beautiful and pristine surroundings, with all the comforts of home in a glorious corner of South Africa.

Horizon Horseback has a herd of over sixty free roaming horses, and is able to look after all riders, from complete beginners to experienced riders. Although the reserve can by no means be said to be a game destination, it does have small populations of game including hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark, as well as many bird species.

The experience here focuses on a ranch-style holiday, with wonderful and exhilarating rides in the morning and the evening. When animals are sighted, viewing them from horseback is one of the best ways to interact closely – the horses can offer close encounters with game, becoming part of a herd of zebra or giraffe as they canter across the plains.

The area is beautiful and varied with rocky outcrops and large plains interspersed with some beautiful river valleys – a gentle climb takes you to some beautiful hillside sundowner spots.

The lodge itself is set beside a large lake, with some of the rooms having views over the lake – we recommend these lakeside rooms for guests wishing to stay. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, and there is a comfortable and convivial central sitting area and dining room.

In the evening, relax at the lodge with a welcoming drink at the bar before sitting down for a delicious dinner in the company of your fellow guests. The lodge prides itself on a home-from-home feel, with hearty suppers, perfect after an exciting and energetic day's riding!

When to go

On average, the warmest month in the Waterberg region is January with average temperatures reaching as high as 28°C, with a dry heat throughout the summer months (November to March). The dry periods are from May to September with the coolest and driest month falling in July. November is the wettest month and should be avoided if you dislike too much rain. Generally, visitors can expect sunshine, long afternoons and dry days for the majority of a stay.

Horizon Horseback Safaris, South Africa

We want to be really clear about this. We offer amazing value. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive, it simply means attention to every detail of your trip that will be designed by a true expert.

Here at Imagine Africa, we are so confident that we offer the best value on the market that we have a price promise. If you find the exact same holiday cheaper with another UK tour operator, then we promise to beat their price by £50.

Rest assured that all our holidays are 100% financially protected. Our ATOL bond protects holidays booked in the UK with flights. Our ABTOT bond protects holidays which are booked without flights or those booked outside the UK, either with or without flights.

Protection means that in the unlikely event that we become insolvent; your holiday will be refunded or you will be repatriated if already travelling or have flights with us.